2012 Dodge Durango
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 640 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 25 Durango model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 17 involved a crash and 32 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical systemNov 14, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6, 5.7, or 6.4 liter engine and previously recalled under NHTSA Recall 14V530 or 15V115. The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning December 19, 2019. Vehicles that experience a fuel pump failure will receive an interim repair. Owners will receive a second notice when the final remedy becomes available. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V62.
Campaign 19V813000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakesSep 18, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.
If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T59.
Campaign 17V572000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, alternator/generator/regulatorJul 10, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
Campaign 17V435000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringDec 28, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured December 3, 2009, to September 1, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after having been remedied for a prior recall for the vanity lamp wiring. This recall is also addressing certain vehicles that have not been remedied under that prior recall.
The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealer will install clearance for sun visor wiring, protection from sharp edges, and replace the sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R71.
Campaign 15V879000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemFeb 27, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 17, 2010, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6, 5.7 or 6.4 liter engine, and 2012-2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured January 18, 2011, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6 or 5.7 liter engine. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM. The recall began on August 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R09. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-530. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 19V813.
Campaign 15V115000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, alternator/generator/regulatorOct 8, 2014
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
Campaign 14V634000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringJul 2, 2014
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, through December 11, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed.
If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P36.
Campaign 14V391000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakesApr 1, 2014
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.
The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is P14.
Campaign 14V154000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipMar 4, 2014
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 11, 2011, through October 1, 2012. Under certain braking events, the Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel.
If the driver experiences a hard brake pedal, the driver may not push the pedal as intended, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P05.
Campaign 14V104000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingSep 29, 2011
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.
CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 11V487000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
640 reports, newest first.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 7, 2026, crash
The component or system failed or malfunctioned, is the accelerator, brakes, stirring and electrical. The car is available for inspection upon your request. The car is having problems coming to a stop and it is very difficult to control the vehicle because the steering becomes so hard when the power shuts down on the vehicle as I'm driving it. I think and believe that that poses a high risk of someone getting hurt or injured and then some cases perhaps death. the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Yes the problem hasi been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. No, the vehicle has not been taken to an inspector, manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Here is what my vehicle is doing. symptoms. While driving the vehicle the car experiences a sudden total power loss, the engine cutting off and restarting on its own, the AC cycling on and off strangely, and the weak acceleration combined with the vehicle jerking.
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2026
Vehicle was unable to start upon attempts in the morning. Was able to get it jumped and started. Less than 5 minutes later the dash lights along with radio lights began to flicker, the front windshield wipers activated, and the battery light came on. Immediately after the vehicle completely stopped, steering wheel got tight and hard to turn and a pole was barely missed as I attempted to maneuver the vehicle as close to the side of the road as possible. There was a complete loss of power, and I was stranded semi in the middle of a busy road during morning traffic. The vehicle was towed to out preferred shop to determine the cause of the loss of power and it was determined that the alternator was dead. The vehicle had the mandated Safety Recall T36 completed 15 months ago. The replacement has failed prematurely. The vehicle has been confirmed by an independent service center. It was inspected by the independent service center, but the incident was witnessed by Missouri Highway Patrol and our local police as they directed traffic around the stalled vehicle to ensure my safety. The evening before there were no indications of failure. The morning of the vehicle was unable to start and had to be jumped and then immediately before the failure the dash lights along with radio lights began to flicker, the front windshield wipers activated, and the battery light came on. Within seconds of these warnings the vehicle stalled and completely stopped. No police report was filed but my husband did notify dispatch of the situation to have police routed to direct traffic. Highway Patrol happened to already be on the scene as they were passing by and saw me.
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2026
We were driving on the interstate in northern Kentucky when the battery alert LED appeared on the dash. We exited the highway while looking up info on possible car repair shops to go to when the vehicle stalled on the exit ramp. We immediately engaged the emergency flashers but they failed eventually due to a completely dead battery. It was determined that the alternator was fried, unable to charge the battery.
Electrical system, Mar 5, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 96,000. A Carfax Report was provided at the time of purchase. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 162,000 when the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an engine issue, and upon receiving the Carfax Report.
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. Approximately three weeks later, while stopped at a light, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The gear shifter was shifted to park(P) to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the timing chain was blown. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were failures with Oxygen sensors, head gaskets, oil pan, oil pump, B2S1 heater, that the intake manifold was cracked, there was cylinder #2 misfire, and the circuit harness needed to be repaired, and DTC: P0300 was retrieved. The vehicle was repaired each time, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Electrical system, Oct 21, 2025
Alternator went out and fried the pcm. I know certain vehicles were on the recall for this and mine was not one of them but odd that it happened anyways.
Service brakes, Jun 28, 2025
I took my Durango to Albany ga to dodge dealership for recall on brake booster water shield repair plus the other recall they fixed one recall and say they can't fix brake booster recall cause they say they will not have part available til a year later which I have concerns about my safety of recall not being repaired for a whole year
Electrical system, Jun 17, 2025, fire
The contact owned a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact opened the door and noticed that the interior of the vehicle was completely burned. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated the exterior of the vehicle had no signs of fire. The vehicle was towed to the local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss. In addition, the contact stated that prior to the failure, there was an unknown warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V879000 (Electrical System, Interior Lighting), which had a similar failure description; however the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,488.
Suspension, Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Mar 6, 2025
Has major issues …
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 11, 2025
There have been several times where I am stopped at a light or stop sign and the car stalls. It happens when I try to start going from the stop, not while I'm stopped. I believe this an issue that has been recalled already, but obviously, it did not fix the problem. My vehicle will also not turn over sometimes. It just continually try to turn over multiple times and I have to wait for it to stop on its own before I can try again.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2024
My vehicle has had recalls performed multiple times since 1st purchased in 2012. The issue was vehicle stalling. At 1st Chrysler / Dodge addressed it as issues upon start up where the vehicle sounded as though it was skipping when hitting the ignition button. They attempted to remedy this with multiple fuel pump relay recalls. They attempted to do internal which did not work. They then went external which also did not work. Nothing was ever formerly recognized as a suitable resolution, so any of us dealing with this were just forgotten. Well I still have this vehicle and it has gotten worse to the point the vehicle will randomly stall while in motion as it did the other day and on multiple other occasions. Under braking conditions the vehicle stalls where everything on the dash appears normal electronically, there is just no power and the steering locks up. I have addressed this multiple times with Dodge customer service as well as my local dealership. The dealership does not want to attempt any repairs because they want to be paid and the manufacturer is not entertaining it. I am aware the vehicle is out of warranty but I am not paying for something the manufacturer has known about since first purchased. There has been no further actions by the manufacturer to address this. They have moved on to newer existing Durango models.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 19, 2024
Electric problem
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2024, fire
While driving our 2012 Dodge Durango in town, we noticed the battery warning light come on and a hot smell coming from the vehicle. We were not far from home so we limped it back home to the garage to see what was going on. When we lifted the hood, there was a very overwhelming burning smell, our alternator was literally glowing red hot, and there was smoke pouring out from around it. We quickly put out the fire and disconnected the battery. Afterwards, we had it towed to a repair shop where it was confirmed the alternator failed as well as fried our PCM in the process. We paid for the install of a new alternator and PCM, however, the radio remained failed. Upon researching this scenario, we found there was a recall for this exact issue for the exact span of years and engine type, however, our VIN was somehow not included in this recall. That needs to be changed. The alternator issue could have been extremely dangerous for our family while in the car, as well as others around us due to what could have happened if the card didn’t make it home. We could have been stranded on a busy road way causing accidents while the car was engulfed in flames due to the alternator. Also, had we not immediately popped the hood at home to check the engine, the car could have burned down our home. We request that the NHTSA and FCA recall company address this issue and the potential for extending the recall to include other Durango VINs.
Air bags, Jul 3, 2024
SRS System light came on. Air bags will not work when this light is on. Safety hazard.
Electrical system, Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would intermittently stall upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it remained in their possession for four days; the contact was later informed that the defect was related to the battery. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Air bags, Seats, Feb 16, 2024
My fairly new teen driver drove the car to the gym and the headrest basically “exploded” onto the back of his head with a swift blow. He had a very bad headache and was really freaked out. There were no lights, no notice, no impact. Just out of the blue drivers side. Called local dealership to see what it could be and apparently the pin can break or the plastic holding the pin and the airbag restraint type system in the headrest will just explode open as if in an accident. He said no recalls and out of warranty. How can this NOT be a serious safety issue??? My inexperienced teen driver could have been so stunned he caused an accident! Anyways they said it would be roughly $1100 to replace entire headrest because there is no option to repair it once deployed. Can we still drive it? If we don’t have that $ now
Air bags, Seats, Sep 27, 2023
Headrest exploded while I was driving. Hit me in the head. Gave me a concussion. Dealership says there is no recall. I have to pay out of pocket. This is a safety feature. I am not paying for the repairs.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 13, 2023
While picking my son up from religion my vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. Thankfully I was pulling into the church parking lot and was in no real danger. I tried to jump start the vehicle with no success, but did notice the insulation on the jumper cables had started to melt. Towed to mechanic and was told the alternator had failed, in turn fried the battery. He replaced both, but then discovered the PCM was fried as well. Took it to the dealer here and was told faulty alternator again, which was replaced again, only to be told the PCM was fried. Now I'm into this for $3000 and I have no faith in the vehicle, the manufacturer, or the dealerships.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2023
The 2014 through 2018 3.6L Pentastar motors are covered under a tech service bulletin for their Drivers side valve train being manufactured incorrectly. This can lead to a misfire and hesitation to accelerate in an Emergency. This happened to me recently and I thought it was just a bad spark plug. Mechanic did a full check and believes there is a stuck valve in the engine on the exact same side that the 2014 to 2018 motors are prone to failure. I believe the 2012 and 2013 Engines are also prone to the same failures as their newer counter parts. As I was trying to accelerate to avoid an incident my car stuttered and started to misfire badly. Almost causing a collision. This happened without warning and never previously had this issue. Vehicle was completely mechanically sound before this. This can happen without any warning or signs its going to happen. And after bringing the vehicle to a mechanic and doing much of my own research it appears that the drivers side of the 3.6L v6 in my vehicle is currently under a TSB for the #2,4,6 cylinder head. This can cause the vehicle to have no power for a moment which if I were merging onto the highway and lacked powered could result in a rear end collision. Believe this is a safety issue as well as mechanical issue.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 10, 2023
I bought this vehicle second hand and was not warned of any recalls. I started having problems in April of 2023. Windshield wipers would turn on by themself, car would randomly shut off. I brought to several shops and nobody could figure out why it was reading “high voltage”. The car then started having occasional problems shifting. I eventually got on MOPAR website to be made aware there were 3 recalls and alternator was one of them. I called musson patout dodge in new Iberia, LA and made an appointment to fix my car. On the morning of our appointment the car died in the road on the way to dodge and wouldn’t restart without a jump. I brought it in and over the son of 3 days the fixed all the recalls. On my way to pick it up they called and made me aware it would need a new battery I told them I will go replace it as soon as I get the car. Since I picked up the car the shifting problems have not stopped. I have had a code reading “implausible data from tcm”. I have had a mechanic TELL me this recalled alternator going out is what cause this tcm to go out and Musson REFUSES to take it in and even diagnose it without over $170 that I don’t have to spend anymore. This is consequential damage that dodge should be held liable for and they are giving me the most difficult time, it’s my only vehicle for me and my 2 kids and I cant even drive it anymore.
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2023
When i am driving around out of nowhere it will try to go into Low range when it is in auto Awd and low light will flicker on the dashboard
Engine, Jun 11, 2023
Engine stops after 2-3 seconds of running. Need to turn off and try again. Happens randomly at startup.
Engine, May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality when the failure occurred. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after placing the vehicle in park(P). The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, May 2, 2023
Sudden loud knocking then pop, started smoking pulled over immediately. Due to rod bearing failure rod went through block and all oil came out. Vehicle is available for inspection. Drivers safety was at risk because vehicle lost power and was unable to exit the roadway in a timely manner. No warning was given other than heard a couple of clicks then immediately followed by a loud pop.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 24, 2023
I Came into dealership for scheduled service appointment on Apr 5, 2023 10:30:00 AM at EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA to get recall fixed on fuel pump relay and an oil change after receiving my 2012 Dodge Durango Citadel back my lights randomly starting blanking and my vehicle stalled and it wouldn’t start or turn over. So I spoke to service rep [XXX] at EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA 17950 Burt St and had the car towed back to the dealership that fixed on it EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA. I was originally told they didn’t have a loaner to lend to me so I can continue being a caregiver to my mother and transport her and my 7 children around until 04/21/2023 and that someone would call me that day to pickup a loaner vehicle. I called on 04/21/2023 about the loaner and they said someone would call me by midday to pick up a loaner. Now it’s Monday 04/24/2023 and I get a text stating 10 things are wrong with my vehicle in this link https://c.xtime.com/vkepCy2nkAoA2L4fXX including the PCM, which was more items then what was originally stated when they had inspected my vehicle on 04/05/2023 during the recall fix. So I informed them that, “ I will not pay for the pcm to be fixed because this issue is a result of whoever was the mechanic that was originally supposed to fix the recall fuel pump relay, so your shop has to fix it due to negligence on your mechanic's fault. I don't want to have to take anyone to court or give this issues to an attorney, this was sent to better business bureau because I have been left without transportation and facing economic hardship due to this situation.” Then they had their Service Manager [XXX] reach out to me over the phone, and he said that he spoke to three on-site master mechanic at the dealership and they all said the PCM had nothing to do with the fuel pump relay recall. I asked about escalating the issue and submitting an incident report to an higher up authority, he said he can’t. I asked again about the loaner he said there’s no loaner available. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).